The C&TH Guide to Shooting

Having had the Glorious Twelfth, it’s time to brush up on the lingo, know where to learn to shoot like a pro, but also know which presents to take to a Shooting Weekend. So, fill up your hip flask, check that your breeks still fit, and make sure you’ve got your Hunters! Here are a few points to check you are ready for the season ahead…

The C&TH Guide to Shooting

Learn the Lingo

And you’ll make friends for life

Bag – Number of Birds shot in one day

Gun– As in your shotgun and also what you call other people who are shooting.

Drives – The locations for each shoot; sometimes in the woods, or on an actual drive, or elsewhere up a hill somewhere.

Side-By-Side – Style of shotgun where the barrels lie horizontally next to each other; preferred by traditionalists and old- fashioned shoots.

Over and Under – Style of shotgun where the barrels lie on top of each other.

Peg – Postion from which you shoot, numbered.

To wipe someone’s eye – what happens when someone misses a bird and then their neighbour shoots it instead.

‘Bore’ as in, 12 -Bore – The diameter of your gun’s barrel (not the dullard next to you at supper last night)

Charm the Host

Booze – Always appreciated. But don’t just bring a bottle because that looks stingy. If you happen to make your own small-batch gin like Gordon Castle, so much the better and an Asprey stag head decanter will never get turned down.

Something edible you’ve made yourself – Marmalade is a good shout, if you’re into that. Or if you’ve a family speciality- say, Longleat cake- then opt for that. Applies to all country invitations, really. Avoid candles. Everyone has too many these days.

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